High blood pressure is a major cause of concern as it often stays in the human body for prolonged periods showing no visible signs and symptoms. Owing to this it goes undetected which is why it is considered as a dangerous sickness. Lack of a healthy life routine amongst the current generation is what is to be blamed for the same. Inactiveness and a haphazard approach to life has given rise to several health issues of which conditions like high blood pressure can have fatal outcomes. In this article, we will cover how reflexology can help lower high blood pressure and how making simple lifestyle changes can help keep high blood pressure at bay.
High Blood Pressure, Causes And Symptoms
High blood pressure, also called hypertension is an indication of the amount of blood passing through the blood vessels vs. the resistance it meets whilst the heart pumps it. Various health issues can cause arterial walls to narrow down which means the narrower the arteries, the more resistance would be meted out to pump blood which indicates a rise in the blood pressure. Over prolonged time frames, high blood pressure can lead to various other health issues directly affecting and damaging organs like the brain, eyes, heart and kidneys. It can lead to stroke, kidney failure and cardiac issues. The only way to monitor one’s blood pressure levels would be to get the readings taken during periodic visits to the doctor’s office.
Hypertension can be classified into primary and secondary hypertension of which the former is more commonly found in people but the latter poses more health risks. Some factors that cause primary hypertension may include a family history of hypertension, bodily changes owing to other health issues, lifestyle choices like binge-eating, consuming too much fatty food, lack of exercise all of which can lead to primary hypertension. Secondary hypertension, as the name suggests is caused owing to secondary issues related to health like kidney disease, heart defects, thyroid issues, obstructive sleep apnea, certain medication side effects, drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption and others.
Symptoms show for hypertension patients only when the condition gets severe which calls for immediate medical attention, and they appear as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Bleeding from the nose
- Pain in the chest region
- Changes in eyesight
- Urinary blood
- Difficulty to breathe
- Face turning deep red
- Tiredness
- Eye Blood spots
- Profuse sweating
What is Reflexology
Reflexology is an alternate treatment method based on the principle that pressure points on the foot are directly looked to our internal organs. Massaging these pressure points carries various health benefits. It helps in the treatment of diseases, reduces stress, calms the mind, improves sleep patterns as well as enhances general wellbeing. What reflexologists do is that they use guided foot charts to apply pressure in specific areas which help in treating ailments. It poses no side-effects and is a safe, natural treatment method.
How Can Reflexology Benefit Those With Hypertension
High blood pressure is a lifestyle disease that does not fade away with time. It cannot be completely cured but can be managed to reduce health risks. Anxiety and stress are a strict no-no for those with hypertension which is where alternate treatment methods like reflexology come into the picture. What reflexologists do is that they target the root of the health problem and then meet out the necessary treatment required. Reflexology helps to enhance blood circulation throughout the body.
For treating high blood pressure, health experts recommend massaging the metabolism controlling endocrine glands, followed by the massage meted out to the problem-causing organ and eventually completing the massage by stimulating the affected organ. For instance, reflexologists target the area under the big toes to stimulate the heart and enhance its function, likewise for the kidney they target the central point of each foot and render the required massage, so on n so forth. While massaging, special attention needs to be rendered to the adrenal gland as it controls emotions like stress and anxiety. A properly conducted reflexology session helps to lower stress levels thereby keeping blood pressure levels under control. The focus should also be thrown on the reflex regions which links the liver, kidney, lungs and heart; especially on the onset of pain, numbness. Reflex regions of the brain and eye should also be massaged and stimulated to avoid high blood pressure and related ailments over a period of time. It also helps protect the organ damage that may ensue owing to hypertension.
Whilst medications prescribed by the doctor for high blood pressure helps to keep the levels under control, it does not guarantee a cure for the same. But by further resorting to natural remedies like reflexology along with the continuation of medicines, one can definitely help better manage the problem and minimize risks it poses to other internal organs.
Who Should Avoid Reflexology To Treat Hypertension
One man’s medicine for an ailment need not be the cure for another man’s condition. In the same manner, certain people should refrain from or get expert advice before resorting to reflexology to treat their high blood pressure issues. They are:
- Those with open wounds on the feet, have an active gout issue as well as those with fractures should refrain from resorting to reflexology until the condition heals.
- Pregnant ladies should resort to reflexology only after checking with their doctor lest continuous foot stimulation leads to contraction of the uterus.
- Those having osteoarthritis should keep away from foot reflexology unless advised by a doctor.
Lifestyle Changes To Keep Hypertension At Bay
Making simple changes to one’s lifestyle can help reduce high blood pressure issues to an extent.
- Maintain a healthy weight – high blood pressure is directly proportional to weight gain. Excess of fat in the body leads to various health issues with hypertension being one of them. Lose the extra pounds and marvel at the health benefits it has to offer.
- Set daily workout routines – exercising regularly not only helps a person to stay fit and in shape but it also helps to get rid of health conditions that arise owing to a lethargic, lazy lifestyle. Pick an exercise routine that you enjoy the most ranging from swimming to cycling to jogging in the park or others and practice consistency to see not only your blood pressure levels going down but also to enjoy lifelong health benefits.
- Consume a balanced diet – we are what we eat so make sure to add up on fresh green leafy vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, berries, lean meat and the likes; skipping unhealthy junk and processed food less on salt and saturated fats.
- Quit smoking and drinking – both these unhealthy habits can wreak havoc throughout our internal organs. They do more harm than good. Excessive drinking and smoking can raise blood pressure levels and the earlier one calls quit on these habits the better.
- Live life one day at a time – don’t unnecessarily overthink and increase stress levels. Certain aspects of life may not be in our hands to control and regulate. Stress and anxiety can further alleviate blood pressure levels. Resort to meditation and reflexology to calm the mind and body.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that alternative treatment methods like reflexology can help keep health conditions like high blood pressure under control. Not only does it improve the quality of life but it also calms the mind and body which is essential for our general wellbeing. However, for any treatment method to work in its complete essence unless the person decides to make apt lifestyle changes nothing much can be done. So bearing in mind that our general well-being lies in our hands one should go forward and live by the rule-book to ensure longevity and sustenance.